Discover "the world's aquarium", the Sea of Cortez and Mexico's Baja California, on this 5-day trip. Travel to scenic Magdalena Island, on the Pacific coast of the peninsula. Gray whale mothers and calves travel close to shore on their northbound migration, providing excellent viewing opportunities. Visit Espiritu Santo Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to turquoise waters with diverse fish species. Watch as hundreds of resident sea lions bark, play, and sun themselves on the rocks, or you can jump in the water to swim and snorkel alongside them. Learn about the natural history of this region as you explore its dunes and mangroves from the Gulf of California to the Pacific Coast. Enjoy the best that Baja California Sur has to offer!
Highlights
Take a Baja vacation perfect for families, nature lovers, and adventurers
Observe gray whales, known for their curiosity, in Magdalena Bay
Snorkel with sea lions on Espiritu Santo Island, a UNESCO Heritage Site
Feast on freshly caught seafood and relax on postcard white-sand beaches
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive to La Paz and transfer independently to your hotel. Meet your naturalist guide at your hotel and receive a briefing on the adventure ahead. La Paz is the capital of Mexico's Baja California Sur, on the Sea of Cortez. The region is known for its vast marine biodiversity and terrestrial species endemic to the region. Adventure seekers are drawn to the plentiful opportunities to enjoy sea kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, scuba diving, snorkeling, and wildlife watching.
Day 2: Magdalena Bay
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Depart La Paz for Magdalena Bay. Head out on the water at Puerto López Mateos and make your south, exploring mangrove canals, sand dunes, and beaches by skiff. Search for gray whales and observe their complex mating and calving behavior, which occurs primarily in the lagoons of Baja California, Mexico. Gray whales have one of the longest migrations of all mammals, traveling as far north as the Bering and Chukchi Seas to their summer feeding grounds. Seabirds and other marine mammals such as dolphins, sharks, turtles, and manta rays may accompany your travels as you explore the body of water that Costeau called "the world's aquarium". Settle into a waterfront hotel in Magdalena Bay for the evening.
Spend the morning searching for gray whales in Magdalena Bay. This afternoon transfer back to Laz Paz and enjoy time at leisure. Stroll along the waterfront malecón, enjoy delicious restaurants, browse historic museums and local shops, or simply relax on the white-sand beaches.
Early this morning you are transferred to the marina where you board a boat for an 1.5-hour ride to Espiritu Santo Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its scenic cliffs, mangroves, sandy beaches, and diverse wildlife, see why this gem is one of Baja's most amazing destinations.Your first stop is at a sea lion colony, where you can join your guide in swimming and snorkeling with playful sea lions. Next board your boat and navigate to a pristine beach where a delicious meal of fresh seafood awaits (special dietary needs are taken into account upon request). Your guides provide a presentation about the natural history and conservation of Espiritu Santo; the island is the only known habitat of the black jackrabbit! Enjoy swimming, hiking, or relaxing on the beach. Arrive back in La Paz in the early evening.
Day 5: Depart La Paz
1 Breakfast
Enjoy a final relaxing morning in La Paz. Transfer to the airport independently for your return flight home.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Initial deposit is 30%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners
4 Nights Accommodations
1 Day Locally Hosted Guide Service
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Snorkeling Gear
WFR-certified bilingual naturalist guides
National Park Entry Fees
Excluded
Gratuities
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
International Flights
Departure Transfer
Meals not Included - Depending on restaurant of choice, budget $10-15 per person for breakfast, $10-20 per person for lunch, and $35 per person for dinner.
Arrival Transfer - Shared shuttles cost $35 per person each way. Private transfers cost $250 each way in a van with a capacity of up to 10 people.
Gratuities - Recommended: 10-15% of total trip cost
Map
When to Go
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Typically not offered during this period because of weather conditions.
The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Very responsive to questions. Helpful with all arrangements
Roz
1 day ago
The ship company they sent us on was perfect in every detail
lisa wegener
2 days ago
I’m so glad we found AdventureLife. Jess, our planner, was such a pleasure to work with. She readily shared her extensive knowledge about Panama, she offered good suggestions and creative ideas, kept everything organized and handled the details each step of the way.
Tim King
3 days ago
Jessica was wonderful! She made every effort to ensure our trip was just what we wanted.
Celine Krafft
3 days ago
Erin was easy to work with and very helpful. She was patient and helped us figure out the adventure tour we were hoping for in Belize. Can’t wait to go on this trip!
